PEAR Update #1

I have not gotten as much stitching done the last few days as hoped but I did resolve a few design issues.  I wanted to transition the different areas as smoothly as possible, and feel like it's coming along.

It shouldn't take long  now to finish up this first section, draw  the continuation lines onto the other two parts and begin stitching the second one.  Now that the threads have mostly been chosen,  I have been trying to estimate the remaining yardage needed for the rest...... so I placed an order yesterday for some not-so-readily-available threads..........Sassa Lynne.  Otherwise, pretty soon I would be sitting here....waiting.  I'm using three of her overdyed #5 Perles and I really like them.   

The comments I have received have been very helpful.....thank you!   When trying something knew it really helps to get confirmation you might be going in the "right" direction.

By the end of this next weekend I'll, hopefully, have a partial second part to show.

Wishing everyone a great long weekend!

New PEAR Design

Well, Monday was shipping day for all the seminar kits......yippee!  And I've already received notification they all arrived safely.

Monday night I celebrated by doing nothing....just watching t.v.  But last night I was back to stitching....  this time on the bargello Pear design I began a month or so ago.  You can see this is bargello with a twist.  I like adding texture in the form of using lots of threads.  This time I've used, so far, Perle #3 and #5 cotton, Silk Perle in 15/2 and 30/2, and Soy Luster.  I also have a few skeins of he new Brocade Silk to try out on it. Oh, and this is 18 count Eggshell canvas. And below is also the palette I created for it (using Colourlovers again).

I have started with basic bargello patterns and then made them more free-form.  I am enjoying working with bargello in this fashion by trying to find the most representational .(hopefully) pattern. 

There will be three parts to this design as it will be a stand-up when finished.  The pattern might look a little funny to you at the bottom, but that is the base of the pear and it needs to be shaped like that to form the base. 

I'll keep you updated as it develops.  And I'll go back and change things....always happens.  Hope everyone enjoys their weekend!  Only two more until September rolls around. 

Creating Color Palettes

I while ago I joined ColourLovers but have not had much time to explore the site.  I have been wanting to create this type of palette as an aid to paring down all the threads I pull for new designs.

So, finally I made the time to play with the purple/orange/yellow colorway I just posted a few days ago and just had to share it!  The original thread palette photo is reposted below along with the swatch palette.

The palettes are fairly easy to create, after the initial learning curve.  Just upload something off the internet or upload one of your own photos, etc. and then start choosing colors from it.  Name it, tag it, and it will be published on ColourLovers for everyone to use.  I had even used a color that didn't yet have a name so I got to name it:  Purple Passion.  It is also easy to download your newly created palette to Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.  That's where I cropped it to the right size. 

You don't have to create palettes on the site.  There are many, many gorgeous color palettes which have already been created by members that  will probably give you lots of ideas!  Its fun to browse.

I'm happy to answer any questions about creating color palettes.....or help as much as my limited experience allows.